ABSTRACT
Oestrogen has important effects on skeletal
health throughout childhood, adolescence,
and adult life. In particular, the loss of
oestrogen at the menopause results in
accelerated bone loss and is a major
pathogenetic factor in postmenopausal
osteoporosis. Although it is well documented
that oestrogen replacement at the menopause
prevents bone loss, evidence for anti-fracture
efficacy is based mainly on observational
studies and is less robust than that now
available for several other interventions,
including alendronate, raloxifene, and
risedronate.
